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Ask our travel experts about travel and get answers to reader questions

Senior Widow Seriously Considering Singles Cruising

Q: My family keeps urging me to get out and back into the senior travel social scene with a cruise. What do you suggest? MPL, Houston TX

A: Good idea, and there are many choices. For example, Silversea Cruises offers a Gentlemen Hosts program on some sailings. Single women dine and dance aboard socially with mature male escorts. If you enjoy that one, next time sail on a senior singles cruise, where potential relationships can happen.

San Francisco CA: Can I Visit Expensive City On A Budget?

Q: Our love for the beautiful City by the Bay goes way, way back to WW2 Navy days. Sailed under the Golden Gate, partied at the Top of the Mark, dined in Chinatown and rode the cable cars. We’ve been back many times since, but uncertain about this year. Hotel prices, always high, are now out of sight. Is it worth it anymore? PMO’L, Chicago IL

A: For starters, instead of hotels, check AirBnB ads online. They’re much lower priced and, if traveling with a group, you get an attractive house or apartment with several bedrooms for less per night than you’d pay for one hotel room.

Q: Is Staying In An Airb&b Better Than At A Hotel?

Planning our annual week at the beach. There’s a favorite hotel where we’ve spent 10 years of great vacations. This year’s room rate is up nearly 30% over last year, and more than twice as much as we paid just a couple of years ago. We’re considering booking an Airbnb house. What’s your opinion? JLK, Scranton PA

A: You may have read that Airbnbs are much cheaper, and you get an entire house for less than you’ll pay for a hotel room. However, you don’t get help with your bags, pool, spa, room cleaning and other usual hotel amenities. Before you decide, check online and with friends and family members who’ve experienced Airbnbs.

Q: Always Stayed At Hotels, But Friends Urge Us To Try Airbnb

We’re frequent retiree travelers, and go to see the world about four times a year. We’ve been to France, Italy, Hong Kong and U.S. hotels, but every time we go, room rates are jumping higher. Now we’re told that Airbnbs are not only much cheaper, but more comfy, quiet and private than hotels. What’s your opinion? JLB, Naples FL

A: Over the past decade, the era of Airbnb has spread throughout the world, and now with many competitors. It keeps growing as travelers who prefer private homes increase. Of course, they’re most economical for travel groups of four or more.

When first considering booking a private home, discuss it with friends and family who’ve experienced it. Check carefully online about location, outdoor/outdoor facilities, neighborhood and other amenities.

Q&A: What About Single Senior Women Traveling Alone?

Q: I’m a retired teacher and want to travel by myself. It gives me total independence and freedom to set my own pace. I’ve gone with groups, but gave up because of the restrictive schedules, boring companions and other bothers. What’s your opinion on a single, 67-year-old senior woman seeing the world by myself? Ms MML, Boston MA